Columbus forecast calls for above-average warmth early next week after bitter cold weekend conditions

A sharp warm-up is expected to follow Sunday’s deep freeze

Columbus is set for a noticeable temperature swing in the days ahead, moving from very cold conditions this weekend to a period of milder, above-average warmth early in the workweek.

On Sunday, Feb. 8, central Ohio remained in a winter pattern marked by very cold air and light snow. At mid-morning, John Glenn Columbus International Airport reported light snow and a temperature near 10°F. The broader forecast for the city called for a daytime high around 24°F, followed by a mostly clear night with lows near 8°F.

What the day-by-day forecast shows for Columbus

The forecast points to a steady climb after Sunday night, with the warmest day expected Tuesday, Feb. 10. Conditions then trend back toward more seasonable temperatures later in the week.

• Monday (Feb. 9): partly sunny, high near 33°F; Monday night low near 23°F.

• Tuesday (Feb. 10): mostly sunny, high near 43°F; Tuesday night low near 27°F.

• Wednesday (Feb. 11): partly sunny, high near 35°F; Wednesday night low near 21°F.

• Thursday (Feb. 12): mostly cloudy, high near 32°F.

• Friday (Feb. 13): mostly cloudy, high near 34°F.

• Saturday (Feb. 14): mostly cloudy with a chance of rain, high near 37°F.

Why temperatures rise, then ease back

Forecast guidance for the region describes a warming trend through the first part of the workweek, with Tuesday identified as the peak day for milder air. The same outlook anticipates cooler air returning by midweek, bringing temperatures closer to typical mid-February levels rather than continuing the early-week warmth.

Travel and precipitation: limited snowfall now, rain chances later

For Sunday morning, forecasters highlighted a narrow band of light snow capable of producing minor travel impacts, though expected accumulations were limited and generally below an inch. Looking later in the week, the forecast introduces a chance of rain by Saturday, a signal that temperatures may become warm enough for liquid precipitation at times even as winter persists.

Key forecast theme for Columbus this week: a brief period of above-average warmth early (peaking Tuesday), followed by a return toward seasonal midweek temperatures.

As with all multi-day forecasts, the exact timing of temperature peaks and precipitation type can shift as new data arrives, particularly around transitions between cold and milder air.